Caleb Serong is open to playing a run-with role on Western Bulldogs star Tom Liberatore in what is set to be an exciting midfield battle on Sunday night at Optus Stadium.
Liberatore has been one of a handful of contributors in the Bulldogs highly-rated midfield, however he was limited to a season-low 16 disposals when tagged by James Harmes in their loss to Melbourne in round 11.
In an interview on Channel 9, Matthew Pavlich asked Serong if he would follow Harmes’ lead.
“He (Liberatore) has been in phenomenal form and he’s been really good at getting the ball out to guys like Jack Macrae and Marcus Bontempelli, who are really damaging by foot,” Serong told Channel 9.
“I’m not really sure what my role will consist of this week but as a team, we’ll be really looking forward to hopefully shutting him down.”
Even if Fremantle could stop Liberatore - and with the Bulldogs missing Adam Treloar due to injury - they still face an army of players capable of doing damage through the middle.
Macrae leads the AFL with an average of 35 disposals per game, while Bontempelli, Bailey Dale, Bailey Smith and Caleb Daniel are all averaging 24 disposals or more this season.
Serong said it was set to be the biggest test this year for a talented Fremantle midfield, led by Nat Fyfe and David Mundy, with youngsters Serong, Andrew Brayshaw and Adam Cerra all impressing this season.
“(Even though) they’re coming off a tough loss to Melbourne, we’re really preparing for their best footy and the way their midfield has been playing, they’re the best midfield in the competition,” Serong said.
Even if Fremantle’s midfield fires, they will need to get the job done in front of goals, where accuracy has been an issue all season.
Against Port Adelaide in round 11, Fremantle faced a 40-point deficit at quarter time after kicking 0.7 for the term on the way to a 46-point loss.
“It’s obviously frustrating and disappointing, but the pleasing thing for us is we’re creating those opportunities and putting ourselves in a position to impact the scoreboard,” Serong said.
“Obviously, finishing the way we are at the moment is not helping our cause to win games.
“The way we’re training during the week, we’re putting ourselves under pressure situations to try and execute our skills in front of goal and I feel like it’s a matter of time before it’s going to turn.”
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